On January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's first Muslim mayor, and he immediately took significant actions by revoking all executive orders issued by former Mayor Eric Adams following Adams' federal indictment. Among the rescinded directives were those that prohibited city officials from taking actions against Israel or entities associated with it, as well as an order that expanded the definition of antisemitism in a manner criticized for potentially conflating legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

Mamdani's decision to revoke these orders has drawn criticism from pro-Israel advocates, who view it as a concerning shift in leadership. The Israeli Foreign Ministry accused Mamdani of antisemitism, asserting that his actions could threaten the safety of Jewish communities in New York City. Mamdani, known for his pro-Palestinian activism, has expressed support for boycotts against Israel and has stated intentions to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York City.

In addition to the revocations related to Israel, Mamdani has also rolled back other executive orders, including one that allowed federal immigration officials to operate within Rikers Island, a move that advocates argue would have endangered many New Yorkers facing deportation. He has pledged to maintain the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, emphasizing the importance of addressing antisemitism and anti-Jewish hate crimes.

Mamdani's administration aims to address the city's housing crisis, which has seen many residents struggling with high living costs. His proposals include a rent freeze for tenants and significant public investment in affordable housing. Critics of the rent freeze argue that it could discourage new construction, but polls indicate substantial public support for such measures.

Mamdani's inauguration was marked by a public celebration attended by thousands, where he emphasized inclusivity and cultural diversity in New York City. His commitment to his principles was evident during his inaugural address, where he stated, "I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical." As he begins his term, Mamdani faces the challenge of implementing his ambitious agenda while navigating the interests of various stakeholders, including business groups.